Did you know that children, young children can be set on the path of loving to write? So many of us struggled through school loathing writing. As a former Kindergarten teacher I was always looking for tricks and tools to help encourage children to love to write.

The quickest and easiest way to engage writing in children of all ages is to offer them a variety of options to write with. It really is that simple. I really want Row to have a love for writing. Toddlers can be encouraged to write through drawing. That’s right because we know that the purpose of writing is to communicate an idea and drawing can in fact do that even for the youngest of children.

I am always on the lookout for super cool writing tools. Ok so I have been pretty much obsessed with pens, pencils, erasers and pens since I was in utero. I was really disappointed when I would go shopping and just couldn’t find anything cool. Something I know Row would love and want to use. Maybe I could use it too-just saying. I stumbled upon the company International Arrivals and was AMAZED by what they had to offer!

First up the left and right crayons-now these are cool. Easy to grip and smooth to color. Row loved these especially since she shows left handed tendencies. The colors allowed her to grip and use easily. Oh and the lollipop pen! It smells like orange when you write and so does the poof. How adorable.

Oh and yes that COLOR IN Book is from International Arrivals too. The paper is so much nicer and thicker than a regular coloring book and it’s bound on a spiral. This book is every 8 year old girls dream. Row uses it as a book as well, flipping through pages and pointing to animals. We had to take it to lunch yesterday.

Have an older child? A college kid? Check out this cool monster highlighters….and they are scented.

I told you I had a thing for erasers…..

International arrivals has tons of gel pens to match any kiddos love-boys and girls. I love that they carry such a variety of writing utensils so kids of every shape and size will love their products. Put these out at your writing table and watch the kids flock!

International arrivals carry so many different items and all in one place. I have even been eyeing some things for stocking stuffers oh and our next door neighbors birthday. What 10 year old wouldn’t love this……

Check out that puffy!

That’s right those are puffy pens-what does that mean exactly? It means you write, let dry, and then come back with a blow dryer and bam-puffs right up. I am sad-not sad-to say these babies are mine!!!!

What’s that you say? You need some of these goodies in your life right now…I know. Well the wonderful people over at International Arrivals are offering a $50 gift card to one reader so you can go crazy buying cool things from their site.

Warning you may spend more….What do you love to write with?

This is a sponsored post. I received items to review however, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.a Rafflecopter giveaway

We love getting out of the house and many of those days include outdoor activities. Now it is pretty much as hot as Hades here in Houston and that sun beats down. I’m counting the days to cooler weather. I literally have sunscreen in every bag I grab.

Today we got to celebrate one of our dear little friends turning one! Oh how the time flies by. That in fact was their theme! A flight theme-adorable.

A’s flight party

The hostess decided it would be better to have a houseful of toddlers outside then in and had a splash area filled with water fun outside. I lathered Row up and grabbed her suit and off we went. I knew I’d be outside but not as much as she would so I grabbed for my tinted sunscreen.

My OZ Naturals tinted sunscreen that is. The bottle is small and convenient for times when you’re outside and don’t expect to be…meaning you can easily pop this one in a bag. I really like that it’s tinted which lends to a nice but natural glow.

I am also a less is more kind of girl. I generally don’t wear makeup. I like a bit of moisturizer and some lip gloss. I hate that heavy feeling on my face. My OZ Naturals tinted sunscreen absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a heavy feeling. After a couple of minutes I actually forgot that I put it on. Yay!

OZ Naturals is a leader in natural skincare. They formulate the most effective anti aging products on the market. Their products are cruelty-free, paraben free, sulfate free, mineral oil free, lanolin free and gluten free.So you can feel good about what you’re putting on.

This one is a keeper!

I received this product in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

This post is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

I am always on the lookout for easy, fun, tasty treats for parties! Let’s be honest, we host a lot of parties here. Ask my friends and they will say, “Callie doesn’t miss a party”. Not only am I always hosting but it seems as though since having Row I’ve been attending like crazy! The great thing about our informal parties/toddler play dates is that we each bring a potluck dish.

Our host-Mariah of Formula Mom baked everything using Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry and I must say I was wowed! She had cooked things I had never even thought of using Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry. Also, did you know that there are actually three types of Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry? I didn’t. Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry comes in sheets, cups, and shells.

First up were a selection of Americana dishes with a twist. She made grilled cheese on a stick! How cute! You know I love things on sticks. The grilled cheese was made using Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry cups. Simply bake and pull apart. Genius!

Next were the burgers….that’s right burgers or rather mini sliders. So perfect for parties! I love how mini they are! The flakiness of the Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry as the bun gave them a really fun twist.

Last were the Pizza Squares. Simply made with cheese, sauce, and pepperoni or any topping you choose. Great for small portions and on the go eating! I especially love the flaky layers!

Our host then created three different treats. My favorite were the Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry cupcakes. She took a mini candy bar-the bit sized ones and wrapped them in Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry, baked and then iced. The cupcakes were in mini form so easy for snacking.

Next there were mini banana cream pies. We also spoke about making chocolate ones-yum! The banana cream pies were made using Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry cups baked, cut in half, filled with pudding and topped with whipped cream.

Last were the sugar cinnamon fries!!!!! These were all the rage. Simple,simple,simple and good! Topped with a caramel sauce and easy to grab.

I decided that after the party I would give it a go and see just how easy it was to make tasty treats using Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry.

I wanted to pick something that was easy, summery, and that my screaming picky toddler would eat. I decided to make Spiral Hotdogs.

Thaw your sheets of Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry for roughly 40 minutes as stated on the box. You want the sheets to be thawed but still cool to the touch.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Gently fold out your Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry on a cutting board. Slice with a sharp knife or pizza cutter into small strips-roughly and inch wide. Wrap the strips of Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry around the hotdogs in a spiral shape. One strip or two, whatever you preference. Repeat until all hotdogs are covered. Bake for roughly 10-15 minutes or until golden brown on a baking sheet.

These were so easy and really good! I was also thinking this could be super cute for a Halloween party later-I told you parties on the mind! You could wrap the hot dogs to look like mummies! Or…put them on sticks!

Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry also has an entire site with tons and tons of easy recipes for any event. Hop on over and find one for your next pot luck, party, luncheon, you name it. The website is a great place to get ideas. Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry really is an easy way to make an ordinary party extraordinary. Find them in your freezer isle.

Which one would you like to make?

This post is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.